Obiala Angel
Authorities in Eastern Equatoria state have arrested four foreign nationals and two South Sudanese suspected of illegal logging in Ogoloyoho Boma of Ketire Payam in Ikotos County.
The suspects believed to be from Uganda with their South Sudanese friends were detained on Tuesday this week.
This came following the order from Eastern Equatoria State governor Louis Lobong Lojore who banned illegal logging across the state.
Governor Lobong says his government will not compromise anyone who destroys the forest using big machinery.
He blames local government actors for not reporting to the state authorities cases of illegal logging in their locality.
Lobong stated that illegal logging has destroyed trees, millions of bamboo, and two cultivated farmlands.
He added that he previously formed a committee to monitor illegal logging in the state while discouraging communities involved in exercise and not reporting to the government for early intervention.
The Eastern Equatoria state governor however denies the allegation that the loggers acquired documents from concerned authorities to carry out logging the state.
The state Governor made the statement to the press after visiting Hatire Payam on July 9th- 2024 Independence anniversary.